Utility powers up for coming storm

Friday

Oct 26, 2012 at 2:00 PMOct 26, 2012 at 5:05 PM

By Linda Bock TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

National Grid officials made it clear this morning that they are doing their best to prevent Hurricane Sandy from inflicting on area residents a repeat of the back-to-the-19th-century lifestyle that followed two major storms a year ago.

“We really heard the frustration from our customers,” said Marcy Reed, National Grid president for Massachusetts, at the utility's New England Distribution Center on Main Street this morning. “We are going to prove this time we're completely prepared.”

National Grid came under intense criticism and scrutiny last year after widespread and long-lasting power outages caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Irene in August and a surprise October snowstorm.

Ms. Reed said the utility company learned from those tough times. Everything from how National Grid addresses downed wires, to damage assessment, to communicating with customers will be different.

In the event of power outages, Ms. Reed said customers will be able to receive up-to-date and more specific outage information from National Grid. She said customers may text STORM to NGRID (64743) to register for broadcast text alerts, or register online to receive email alerts. National Grid's call center will be staffed 24 hours a day throughout the storm and potential outages.

There will be National Grid liaisons in every town and city as well to improve communication.

“They will be mano a mano with the towns,” Ms. Reed said.

As she spoke to a small army of reporters from Massachusetts and Rhode Island today, employees were constantly moving supplies getting them ready to ship out if Sandy knocks out power. Three loaded semi trucks were deployed early this morning to deliver transformers, wire cable and other supplies to up to nine staging locations throughout New England.

As extra equipment was being moved into place today, additional employees were being mobilized. National Grid estimates that 5,000 employees here in New England will work during the storm, and 1,000 to 3,000 out-of-state crews are on their way here.

Daniel Prior, manager of National Grid's Central Distribution Facility, said the center has equipment and supplies inside the 120,000-square-foot center and outdoors on 12 acres ready to be distributed throughout New England.

National Grid has operating centers in Worcester, Leominster, Gardner, Athol, Hopedale and Marlboro.

National Grid has 1.2 million customers in 172 communities in the state.